The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced on Friday the reception of a collective plea from five nations, urging an investigation into the circumstances within the Palestinian territories.
Prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti had collectively referred the case. South Africa emphasized the urgency for the ICC to address the serious situation in Palestine with immediate attention.
The ICC is currently conducting an active investigation into alleged war crimes dating back to June 13, 2014, regarding “the situation in the State of Palestine.”
Kahn recently stated that his office holds authority over both Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and any offenses carried out during Israel’s response, including the bombings in the Gaza Strip.
As an inquiry was already in progress, the request made on Friday will likely have minimal practical influence.
The prosecutor’s office, in a statement, expressed having gathered a substantial amount of information and evidence related to crimes occurring in the Palestinian territories, including those committed by Palestinians themselves.
Israel, as a non-member of the court, does not acknowledge or accept its jurisdiction.
The ICC retains the authority to investigate individuals from non-member states under specific conditions, notably when alleged crimes have taken place within the territories of member states. The Palestinian territories have been recognized among the ICC’s members since 2015, enabling potential investigations within that jurisdiction.
As a final judicial authority, the ICC pursues legal action against individuals accused of criminal behavior in instances where its 124 member states are either unwilling or unable to conduct prosecutions themselves.